From Rat Race to Road Trip: Overlanding With Four Dogs!
Updated with new information November 2025 in light of the Renters’Rights Act due to start implementation on 1st May 2026 for properties let in England.
For us, the key to funding our travels without having to work was renting out our house.
In financial terms, your house is probably your largest asset, so you need to protect it!
If you’re looking for a thoroughly enjoyable collection of short travel stories, I can’t recommend Val Karren’s Tales of a Fly By Night enough.
I am, of course, a travel writer myself.
I find that reading outstanding work like this is not only a joy – it’s an essential way to stay sharp. With over 1.5 million books published on Amazon KDP every year, it also feels good to shine a light on fellow authors who truly deserve to be discovered.
Continue reading “Travel Book Review – Tales of a Fly By Night: And other stories I never told my mother”This is one of those rare books to which I would award six stars if I could.
The Renters’Rights Act 2025 for properties let in England, introduces the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in a generation. The reforms increase landlord responsibilities and introduce significantly stronger enforcement – with hefty fines for non-compliance.
The government has announced a phased approach to implementation, with the first major changes to be implemented from 1st May 2026.
For us, the key to funding our travels without having to work is renting out our property, so this new legislation will have a huge impact.
We have always tried to be good landlords: if we have good tenants, we don’t raise the rent, and if there are issues, we deal with them immediately.
The new bill targets rogue landlords. Unfortunately, it makes renting property more onerous and costly. We can get almost the same return by putting our money in the bank without all the hassle! If the days of high capital growth are gone, (and Capital Gains Tax on property has increased considerably in recent years), it begs the question whether letting property is worth it.
However, that aside, here is what you need to know about the Renters’ Rights Act.
Continue reading “The Renters’ Rights Act in England – What You Need To Know if you Let Property to Fund your Travels”
Updated 12th November 2025
For those considering buying or converting a van, visiting shows or meet-ups is a brilliant way to get ideas, see what options are available, meet suppliers and manufacturers, and chat with experts and other like-minded people.
If you already own a van, it’s just a fun thing to do!
In the UK, there is a full calendar of vanlife shows and get togethers. Most are annual festivals that take place over weekends, although day tickets are often available.
There are two types of events:
I have tried to make this the most comprehensive guide to vanlife events, but if I have missed any major annual events, please let me know and I shall add them.
Britain has hundreds of brilliant and bonkers Other Festivals, which are ideal to visit in your van, so as a bonus I have also included some links for you to search directories of music festivals, air shows, floating markets, independent and green festivals to help you find the festival for you, although do see my Note on Dog Friendliness.
If you want to try vanlife but don’t yet have a van, I’ve included Motorhome & Camper Rentals, and a link to sample Sample Virtual Vanlife Via YouTube.
World Wide Walkies